Page 124 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

have the children perished?" "No, Madam,"
said she, throwing herself at her feet; "but let
not your Majesty be impatient, I have yet left
an infinite number of means by which I may
yet get rid of them." "Ah! wretched
creature," said the Queen, "thou livest but to
betray me; thou sparest them." The old
woman protested to the contrary; and when

she had appeased her slightly, she returned
home, to consider what was to be done.
She allowed some days to pass by without
showing herself; and at the end of that time,
she watched so well, that she encountered the
Princess walking in the forest alone, waiting
for her brothers. "Heaven crowns you with

blessings, charming Etoile," said this wicked
woman, accosting her. "I have heard that you
are in possession of the singing apple. I could
not have been more delighted had such good
fortune happened to myself, for I must own I
feel a great interest in all that tends to your
advantage; but," continued she, "I must now
give you another piece of advice." "Ah! keep
your advice to yourself," said the Princess,

hurrying away from her, "for whatever good it
may bring me, it does not recompense me
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